Political Science and Liberal Arts Education in Minnesota

Colleges and universities in Minnesota that offer political science majors focus not only on teaching students about government and politics but also on educating them in related subjects. These include democratization of society, social policymaking, policy change, constructivist international relations, political history, political psychology, political theory, quantitative methodology, political behavior, and identity politics. This broad, liberal-based education makes it easier for political science degree holders in Minnesota (both undergraduate and graduate) to find employment in an array of fields after graduation.

Career options for political science graduates in Minnesota are many. Fields that political science degree holders have entered into in the state include communications, government, political campaigns, legislature, the judicial system, private industry and business, health care, and education. Earning a political science degree from any accredited Minnesota college or university is the first step towards a fulfilling career in a variety of disciplines after graduation. Be sure that the college or university you choose is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditation agency. Check here to see if the school in which you are interested is accredited before enrolling in a political science program in any state.

Political Science Careers in Minnesota

According to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, employment in government is expected to grow by 3.9 percent from 2009 to 2019. This, however, is not the sole industry in which political science graduates can find employment in Minnesota. Other industries are projected to grow at a great rate during that period. These include management and technical consulting services, which is expected to grow by 62.2 percent; scientific research and development services, expected to grow by 22.6 percent; educational and health services, which should grow by 19 percent; professional and business services, with an expected growth of 16.5 percent; and self-employment, expected to grow by 14.2 percent.

Employers of political science graduates can be found all across the state of Minnesota in all levels of government, private industry, education and public services. Some of them include Mediacom Communications Corporation in Mound, the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, energy company NORESCO in Minneapolis, Allina Health System in Minneapolis, the many college and university political science departments in the state, the Oshkosh Corporation in Dodge Center, and Planned Parenthood in Alexandria.

How to Become a Politician in Minnesota

The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State has published a Guide for Candidates on Running for Partisan Office as a Minor Party or Independent Candidate. This comprehensive guide is designed to assist those who are not major party members in running for elected public office. You must obtain signatures on a nominating petition, which must then be filed with the proper office. If you are running for federal office, the petition must be filed with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State. If you are running for state office, you can file the petition with your county auditor or with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State.

If you are running for state legislator, you must obtain 500 signatures from people who are registered and eligible to vote in the next election. Candidates who wish to run for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Auditor or Secretary of State need 2000 signatures on a nominating petition. If you wish to run for U.S. Representative, you must obtain 1000 signatures on a nominating petition in order to have your name placed on the election ballot. Everyone who signs a nominating petition must include his or her signature, date of birth, address, printed name, and the date that he or she signed the petition.